Smarter Writer

Home of the Limeburners whisky, Great Southern Distilling Company is the 2017 Telstra Western Australian Business of the Year.

Announced at the 25th annual Telstra WA Business Awards, which were held in Perth last night, the State winner is a craft distilling company operating out of three iconic locations in Albany, Margaret River and the Porongurup.

The Great Southern Distilling Company is behind a world-renowned collection of premium quality spirits and liqueurs. Their products include the Limeburners Heavily Peated Darkest Winter Whisky, which was named American Distilling Institute’s Best International Craft Whisky in the World at this year’s annual spirits awards.

Great Southern Distilling Company founder, Cameron Syme, puts the business’ award-winning roll down to its ability to tap into emerging consumer trends:

“Customers want top quality, Australian-made products with real country provenance,” he said.

“We solve that problem, distilling internationally award-winning whiskies, gins and liqueurs using the best home grown Western Australian products.”

The business also took home the 2017 Telstra Western Australian Small Business Award.

Celebrating their 25th year, the Telstra Business Awards showcase the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of Australia’s best small and medium businesses (SMBs) and more recently, charities as well.

Telstra Small Business Executive Director Brendan Donohoe said the winners of the 2017 Telstra Western Australian Business Awards demonstrate what it takes to become ‘that’ business – a leader in their field, a name that is trusted and admired and an organisation that inspires others.

“The Western Australian winners are all underpinned by strong leadership teams who have recognised the importance of technology to successfully engaging staff and driving business growth,” he said.

“For the Great Southern Distilling Company, their team spirit and ambition to excel has undoubtedly enabled the business to emerge as a powerful force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive industry.

“Representing both WA and Australia on the global stage, this small business has proven they are a cut above the rest and are more than capable of taking on major spirit houses from established regions like Scotland and the USA.”

Other businessesrecognised at the 2017 Telstra Western Australian Business Awards include:

RedDirt Transport Services, a transportation solutions provider that provides work opportunities to those from Indigenous backgrounds, won the 2017 Telstra Western Australian New Business Award

Hancock Creative, a storytelling and digital marketing training business for cause-related organisations, took home the 2017 Telstra Western Australian Micro Business Award

Enduraclad International, a wear plate manufacturer, is the 2017 Telstra Western Australian Medium Business Award winner

Shalom House, a men’s rehabilitation centre committed to restoring the lives of those suffering from substance abuse and mental health conditions, is the winner of the 2017 Telstra Western Australian Charity Award